Black & Decker Trimmer/Edger Recall Reannounced After More Injuries

After continuing to receive injury reports from consumers, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Black & Decker reannounced that about 200,000 GH1000 Grasshog XP String Trimmer/Edgers have been recalled due to a defect that could cause pieces of the trimmer to suddenly explode outward at a high speed.

The Black & Decker Grasshog Trimmer/Edger recall was initially issued in July 2007, but the company has received so many additional injury reports that a follow up announcement of the recall was issued on August 4, 2009, hoping to reach consumers who may still be using the devices.

The Grasshog’s spool, cap and pieces of the trimmer string can detach during use and suddenly fly out from the trimmer at high speed, creating a “serious laceration hazard” to both users and bystanders, the CPSC has stated. The Grasshog can also overheat, creating a burn hazard for users.

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At the time of the initial recall, Black & Decker was aware of more than 700 incidents, including 58 injury reports. Since the recall, the company has received more than 100 additional injury reports, as well as property damage reports such as broken windows.

The electric-powered trimmers, made in China, included in the recall have date codes of 200546 through 200645, which are located on the underside of the trimmer’s handle. The recall only affects GH1000 Grasshog XP String Trimmer/Edgers with black spool caps.

Versions of the same device with orange spool caps are not subject to the recall.

The recalled Black & Decker edgers were sold at major home improvement retailers and appliance stores throughout the United States between November 2005 and January 2007.

The CPSC and Black & Decker recommend consumers immediately stop using the recalled trimmers and contact the company for a free repair kit.

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6 Comments

  • JackApril 26, 2020 at 12:24 am

    I purchased a Model GH 700, trimmer edger, at Lowes. I have constant trouble with the automatic spool feed, It would either not feed out, or it would feed 6 to 10 inches beyond the line cutter. When this happens, the line wraps around the spool and needs to be manually cut with snips, wasting lots of the line. Most of the time the line would cut off and then hit my legs, causing injury. Today the[Show More]I purchased a Model GH 700, trimmer edger, at Lowes. I have constant trouble with the automatic spool feed, It would either not feed out, or it would feed 6 to 10 inches beyond the line cutter. When this happens, the line wraps around the spool and needs to be manually cut with snips, wasting lots of the line. Most of the time the line would cut off and then hit my legs, causing injury. Today the trimmer did this and a piece of the line hit me on the nose causing a fairly good cut. PICTURE UPON REQUEST. This is a very dangerous piece of equipment!

  • RitaSeptember 18, 2012 at 11:21 pm

    I purchased the Black and Decker Grasshog GH700 2 years ago. I have had consistent trouble with the automatic spool feed, It would either not feed out, or it would feed out 1-2 feet of string and wound around itself. Sometimes one side will continue putting out string when the other side stops. My investigation into the problem discovered that sometimes the string attaches to itself as if it m[Show More]I purchased the Black and Decker Grasshog GH700 2 years ago. I have had consistent trouble with the automatic spool feed, It would either not feed out, or it would feed out 1-2 feet of string and wound around itself. Sometimes one side will continue putting out string when the other side stops. My investigation into the problem discovered that sometimes the string attaches to itself as if it melted and cooled off resulting in being stuck together. Last week I put on a new spool and within seconds the whole thing came unspooled and the orange top came off.

  • JamesAugust 18, 2012 at 8:07 pm

    Just had the (orange) cap fly off on my Black and Decker GH 750 trimmer edger. The nearly full spool unraveled at a high speed, flew up and slapped my arm, causing a large welt. Problem solved? I think not!

  • KenJuly 13, 2010 at 3:11 am

    I purchased a Model GH 700, GH 750 trimmer edger, approximately a year ago at Lowes. I had some trouble with the automatic spool feed, It would either not feed out, or it would feed out 1-2 feet of string. When it did feed out too much , the string would cut off and then hit me in the ankles, or legs. This trimmer is the WORST trimmer I have owned. It just went to hell tonight . Have only us[Show More]I purchased a Model GH 700, GH 750 trimmer edger, approximately a year ago at Lowes. I had some trouble with the automatic spool feed, It would either not feed out, or it would feed out 1-2 feet of string. When it did feed out too much , the string would cut off and then hit me in the ankles, or legs. This trimmer is the WORST trimmer I have owned. It just went to hell tonight . Have only used it about five times. The string fed out to far, and the spool just spun around on its drive shaft. Biggest POS I have ever owned. The feed out on the spool is very unreliable and very dangerous. Hope something can be done about it.

  • DianeAugust 8, 2009 at 6:48 pm

    Yesterday my trimmer caught fire at the plug the model is GH700, GH750 this trimmer was only used 5 times. It was purchased at Lowes, late May of 2009. I did not see this model listed as a recall, let me know how I can return for a refund, or will Lowes take this back?

  • LisaAugust 6, 2009 at 10:37 pm

    Who do I contact about my injury sustained from this product. I have returned my trimmer & was given a particial refund. I have perment scars to my right hand becouse of the product.

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